Chapter LV.—Examples of such love.

To bring forward some
examples from among the heathen: Many kings and princes, in times of
pestilence, when they had been instructed by an oracle, have given
themselves up to death, in order that by their own blood they might
deliver their fellow-citizens [from destruction]. Many have gone forth
from their own cities, that so sedition might be brought to an end within
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them. We know many among ourselves who have given themselves
up to bonds, in order that they might ransom others. Many, too, have
surrendered themselves to slavery, that with the price244244 Literally, “and having received
their prices, fed others.” [Comp. Rom. xvi. 3,
4, and Phil. ii. 30.] which
they received for themselves, they might provide food for others. Many
women also, being strengthened by the grace of God, have performed
numerous manly exploits. The blessed Judith,
when her city was besieged, asked of the elders permission to go forth
into the camp of the strangers; and, exposing herself to danger, she went
out for the love which she bare to her country and people then besieged;
and the Lord delivered Holofernes into the hands of a woman.245245Judith viii.
30. Esther
also, being perfect in faith, exposed herself to no less danger, in order
to deliver the twelve tribes of Israel from impending destruction. For
with fasting and humiliation she entreated the everlasting God, who seeth
all things; and He, perceiving the humility of her spirit, delivered the
people for whose sake she had encountered peril.246246Esth. vii.,
viii..